Donald Voelker

Donald Voelker

April 10, 1959 - June 03, 2026

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Voelker, Donald

Saginaw, Michigan

Donald Voelker of Saginaw, MI passed away at his home on June 3, 2026. He was 67 years old. Donald Wayne Voelker was born on April 10, 1959 in Saginaw, Michigan to Ray Arthur and Kay (Lemmer) Voelker. Don’s love of music began at an early age. He attended Arthur Hill High School and enjoyed playing and marching with the Saginaires and Crossmen Drum and Bugle Corps as well as an instructor with the Madison Scouts Corps. Don loved all animals and enjoyed feeding the birds, squirrels and spending time with his pet cat “Beans.” He also enjoyed playing golf and watching all sports and listening to music.

Don will be remembered for his kind heart and caring nature. He valued the people in his life and was always willing to lend a hand when needed. His kindness and compassion will be missed and fondly remembered by family and friends.

Don is survived by his mother, Kay; siblings: Ray Allen Voelker, Kenneth (Rhonda) Voelker and Daniel (Samantha) Voelker; nephews and nieces: Justin (Megan) Voelker, Brandon (Brianna) Voelker, Toni Marie (John) Lawson and Trevor (Sammi) Voelker; great nephew and great nieces: Daniel and Mikaela Lawson, Kailani and Kya Voelker; step-children that he helped raise: Ryan Wiskia, Aaron Wiskia and Kevin Wiskia; and many cherished friends.

Don was preceded in death by his father, Ray Arthur Voelker; ­­August 18, 2005.

In keeping with Donald’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Don’s family will gather at First Presbyterian Church, 121 S. Harrison St., Saginaw, Michigan 48602. Service details are pending and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Saginaw County Humane Society.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd., Saginaw, MI 48603. Please share your thoughts and memories through www.DeislerFuneralHome.com

 

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MK
Mike Kaine
Friend •
I was so sad reading about Don's passing. I was really looking forward to seeing him again this July. After reading what others have posted, it's clear Don treated everyone he met like family. Don was so passionate about drum corp. He motivated me to be better. A memory I'll never forget is he and i played horns for a local special olympics competition. We only knew the fist 4 bars of the olympic theme so we repeated it over and over and over. The other was Don saying "blood makes the grass grow" as we took field for every drum corps competition. This is a tough loss. Will do everything i can to make this a celebration of his life - I'm sure that's what he would want.
BW
Barbara Wooding
Friend •
I marched with him in Crossmen, he always lifted me up and was such a positive man. May God be with you. He helped me and was a great man. 🙏
T
Tori
Friend •
Don has been our neighbor for the past 5 years. I often described him as the guy from Tim Allen’s show Home Improvement who always was popping his head over the fence. He was always willing to lend a tool to help us upkeep our yard. My family will miss him tossing loaves of Kay’s pumpkin bread over the fence. Grateful to have such a great neighbor all these years.
LT
Linda (Morris) Thurston
Friend •
Don and I were neighbors when my family first moved to Saginaw in 1965. We met up again when I went to my first drum corps rehearsal in 1974. Don remembered me and he actually taught mecthe basics of how to play a rotor valve bugle. My family moved to Florida so we lost touch until 1978 when we met up again on tour. I was in the Spirit of Atlanta and he was with The Crossmen. We would make a point of meeting up when we were at the same shows. In '78 we sat in the stands together finals before we had to do retreat. In 1980, when our horn instructor was killed in an accident on the road, when Crossmen arrived at the site, I told Don about it and her informed the director. Don was a kind person and will be missed.
DG
David Griffore
Friend •
To Danny: I'm so sad for you and the whole family at the passing of your brother Donald. I shall be remembering your entire family in prayer. May the Lord comfort you during this season of loss. David Griffore (Bossier City Louisiana)
EC
Eugene Jolin and Kay Makl (Ray Arther cousins)
Family •
Sending condolences from the Beatrice (Voelker) Jolin family from Zilwaukee.

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